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Eliza Wregg, a spokesperson for The Lott, is dispelling some common misconceptions, especially as April Fools’ Day approaches. She advises Australians to remain skeptical of misleading information.
“Every day, I have the privilege of calling our major prize winners and delivering life-changing news, so I’ve encountered a wide range of theories,” Wregg shared.
She acknowledged the unique challenge of informing someone of a significant lottery win on April Fools’ Day, where disbelief is often the first reaction.
Wregg recounted a memorable instance involving a couple from Hobart who experienced the ultimate April Fools’ Day shock, learning via a phone call that they had won $775,000 in TattsLotto.
“April Fools’ Day serves as a perfect reminder that lotteries are purely games of chance,” she emphasized.
“There are no shortcuts to winning big.”
Myth one – Major lottery prizes are taxed
Major lottery prizes in Australia are tax free, which means winners receive the full prize amount.
This includes the value of any prizes or benefits you receive from a prize draw or lottery run by your bank, building society, credit union and investment body.
However you don’t need to declare prizes won in “ordinary lotteries” such as lotto draws and raffles.
Myth two – You’re more likely to be struck by lightning
The odds of winning an Australian lotto jackpot are slightly better than people expect.
About 500 Australians won a major jackpot last year, while only a handful were struck by lightning.
Myth three – Lottery winners have to go public
If you win the lottery, you’ll be able to keep it a secret.
Personal information about winners is never disclosed without their consent and photos of the winners are rarely shared.
Myth four – Some lottery numbers are luckier than others
Lotteries are games of chance and each number has an equal chance of being drawn.
Lottery balls are regularly weighed at the Australian government’s National Measurement Institute to prevent any number bias.
Myth five – Jackpots are always won by one person
While some people do win the entire prize, many of Australia’s biggest jackpots have been shared wins.
Last year 15 Queensland residents shared a $70 million Oz Lotto jackpot, while four Australians split a $60 million Powerball prize.
Myth six – Buying your tickets online gives you a higher chance
Buying your ticket online or in store has no impact on your chance of winning.
According to the Lott, 40 per cent of people buy a ticket online, while 60 per cent purchase a ticket in store, with major prize winners coming from both.
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